What Is Setsubun? Setsubun (節分), literally means “seasonal division,” and in the past people in Japan used to celebrate four holidays for every season. Today, Setsubun is celebrated on February 3rd and symbolizes the transition from winter to spring, carrying historical significance as a ti...
The Kyuhatsubi Hoyo is held over three days, including the day before and after the first day of the Horse month according to the old calendar, traditionally held in alignment with the lunar calendar. Together with the "New Year's Hoyo" and "Setsubun Hoyo," it is counted as one of the...
Japan is home to ten percent of the world’s active volcanoes, so it’s a great place to experience one of these living mountains first-hand. Where else could you see an eruption in progress, a bubbling crater lake, buildings half-buried in lava, and mountain peaks that didn’t even ex...
Izumo Taishais one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan which attracts about 2 million people every year. It is believed that all the deities across Japan gather at the shrine every October in order to discuss how to bring good fortunes for romantic relationships to people. There are...
During night-time events such as summer festivals and Setsubun, as well as during the New Year's season, the lion's eyes can be seen shining as one of the lights in the temple grounds. 1 Rituals at Namba Yasaka Shrine Tsunahiki Shingi festival ...
Futomaki is a thick sushi roll with a variety of items in addition to rice. It’s about two inches. Seafood, such as eel, crab, shrimp, tofu, egg, and veggies, are popular fillings. Ehomaki is a popular futomaki served during Setsubun, a festivity that occurs just before the beginning...
Inago no tsukudani is a Japanese dish that’s common in mountain areas. | Photo by Getty Images Likemany cultures, Japan has ahistory of insect eating. During the poorest eras of Japan’s history, bugs were eaten because they were cheap, produced a quick source of protein, and were readil...
This is a day when friends and families meet for parties, which last until the next morning.s On the evening of February 3, people in Japan celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. This is known as Setsubun. Family members throw dried beans around their homes, shouting, ...
It reminds us of Miyajima down in Hiroshima (which is one of Japan’s most famous viewpoints!). If you plan to get a photo in front of the Hakone gate, we’d ask you to reconsider: there is nearly always a long line leading up to it — and the photo usually comes out under-...
Setsubun is the day before spring begins in Japan. Simply speaking, it is a kind of new year’s celebration and the ‘Oni’ demon is a troublemaker, so at the beginning of the new year, you want to drive him away. There are several Setsubun customs that all involve food and driving ...